Greek Police Reopen Investigation into Scots Mother's Death After 15 Years

Greek authorities have reopened the investigation into the death of Jean Hanlon, a Scots mother who died under suspicious circumstances in Crete in 2009.

The decision follows a significant breakthrough, with a 29-page dossier of new evidence provided by a private investigator hired by Ms. Hanlon's son, Michael Porter.

Jean Hanlon, 53, disappeared after a night out in March 2009, and her body was found four days later in the port of Heraklion. Initially, police concluded she had drowned, but a second post-mortem revealed she had sustained severe injuries, including a broken neck and ribs, a punctured lung, and facial injuries, indicating foul play.

Despite previous investigations in 2012, 2019, and 2021, which all ended inconclusively, the case has been revived by the public prosecutor in Heraklion. The new dossier includes evidence from Ms. Hanlon's diary and identifies a man believed to have been with her on the night she disappeared.

Michael Porter expressed hope and determination, saying, "I am 100 per cent hopeful that this is the time that we get our mum justice and that she is finally laid to rest."

Ms. Hanlon had moved from Dumfries to Crete to work in tourism. Her last known communication was a chilling text message reading, "Help." The renewed investigation aims to finally bring closure to her family.

A Foreign Office spokesperson stated, "We continue to support the family of a British woman who died in Greece in 2009 and are in contact with the local authorities in Greece."

(Source: Daily Mail UK)